These speakers require 120v standard power for each speaker. They each have 2 build in power amps so you do not need an external power amp. If you are looking to use an external power amp you should get passive speakers (without built in amplifiers).

If I'm feeding the unbalanced 1/4" inputs, do they want -10db consumer level, or +4db pro level signals? That is, can I simply run a cord from a 3.5 stereo output on a computer, laptop, or whatever, to two 1/4" TS plugs and get good level, or should I use a level convertor box or DI to bump up the signal and or convert to XLR balanced signal?

I recently bought a pair of Monoprice 8 inch studio monitors and I consider myself an Audiophile person but I am not a sound engineer. I use my studio monitors for casual listening. I have a total of 3 pairs of studio monitors and 2 subwoofers. (2 pairs of studio monitors and 2 subwoofers connected at a time, kinda crazy though). 8-inch woofers should give you enough bass but I really need a subwoofer in my music system. I am using a high-quality (with balanced and unbalanced outputs) USB desktop headphone amplifier with DAC which is connected to the Monoprice equalizer with XLRs, then XLRs to the Monoprice studio monitors. The source makes a lot of difference. I use my computer and my digital library has only FLAC and DSD audio files. The result is very satisfactory. Unbalanced RCA connection will too sound good and loud because of the built-in amplifiers in the studio monitors, but it's almost never a good idea to use the computer's built-in sound card directly (based on my experiences and my ears). I fix computers for living. Usually, the built-in sound chip on the motherboard has low-quality DAC and amp chips because of the cost and will result in hearing some unwanted noise if you use the 3.5mm headphone connection. I recommend using a USB sound card (even a cheap one). Either way, the output level will be loud enough to enjoy rich and clear sound for casual listening. True balanced headphone amplifier will definitely give you a better clarity and more control on sound levels. IMO.

Though I run my pair via a mixer with balanced outputs and connections you can connect consumer gear directly via 1/4" TS connectors, a.k.a. "instrument" connections on one end, and either phono RCA pair or your typical 3.5mm stereo connection from phone on the other. The gain control on the back allows considerable range so you will almost certainly find with your source device turned up, that you will get adequate levels provided the gain controls are set relatively near their maximums.

I did that very thing- connected two 1/4” TS plugs to a 3.5 and ran them on my 2010 MacBook Pro. Plenty of “level”. They sounded great to me. That being said, I just received an up sampling digital to analogue converter as a gift, and am really impressed with the enhanced sound . I am not a pro audio person, but I have been in the performing arts for over 30 years.

If you want these babies to perform the way they're meant to use a reputable interface. I might have misunderstood the question slightly but i can confirm the quality of these in comparison to JBL's are on par if not superior. I run these through a Steinberg ur22 interface, the sound quality is Magnificent.

It will work with a consumer level signal from my desktop but I get a buzz unless I use a cheater plug to remove the speaker grounds. Not sure if this is an issue with a laptop on battery but balanced inputs eliminate it all together so I'd say that's the ideal way to connect them whenever possible.

BEST ANSWER:These will not work directly with USB. You will need a USB audio interface in order to use you laptop with this or you can use the right audio cables to use the headphone jack on your laptop. I recommend a USB interface, as it can be more useful and give better control of these monitors. Keep in mind that that the only cables that ship with these monitors are power cables, so you will need to purchase either 1/4 inch or XLR to hook them up, depending on what interface you choose.

BEST ANSWER:These will not work directly with USB. You will need a USB audio interface in order to use you laptop with this or you can use the right audio cables to use the headphone jack on your laptop. I recommend a USB interface, as it can be more useful and give better control of these monitors. Keep in mind that that the only cables that ship with these monitors are power cables, so you will need to purchase either 1/4 inch or XLR to hook them up, depending on what interface you choose.

It has TRS (1/4 inch) and XLR jacks for input, so if your computer already has a stereo output (typically 1/8 inch/3.5mm), then all you need is the proper cable or combination of cable and audio adapter. Monoprice also has these.

I am looking for speakers through which I can play my electronic drums and keyboard ("live" or "in real-time"). I have tried this previously through a home theater receiver (connected to passive speakers), but the receiver/amp had too much latency to play through it in "real-time" (it really throws off your rhythm). Has anyone tried playing an electronic musical instrument through these speakers in "real-time"? When doing this, is there noticeable latency? Thank you in advance.

BEST ANSWER:The latency was probably coming from the DSP in the receiver. These Studio Monitors do not have any DSP functions so there is no latency at all. These will be an excellent choice for playing digital drums live.

BEST ANSWER:The latency was probably coming from the DSP in the receiver. These Studio Monitors do not have any DSP functions so there is no latency at all. These will be an excellent choice for playing digital drums live.

Hi, Matthew. I don't know what other components you have in your setup. The latency that you had experienced would not have been caused by an amp or receiver- or the speakers. These are studio monitor speakers and are not suitable for sound reinforcement - which is what you need to play live. Yes, these speakers go loud and sound good, but you should be considering another type of powered speaker system like the Monoprice Stage Right Series. These are much more suitable for live sound. Hope this answers you query. Henry K

I have them hooked up to a synth keyboard, and I don't notice any kind of input lag/latency whatsoever. I don't have any experience with an electronic drumset yet, but I've been considering adding that next. Honestly, I can't imagine it would be any different than my experience with my keyboard. They work perfectly, and sound great (and I'm somewhat picky...). Hope that helps.

RobTek: I hear that these monitors have a Popping sound when you turn them off. have you guys addressed this issue as to why the sound ?

A shopper
on Oct 16, 2018

BEST ANSWER:They do indeed thump/pop a bit when turned off. The 12” sub thumps when turned on, fyi. To me, this is normal behavior, especially for a budget piece of gear. It’s not that loud, no big deal imo, but there are lots of more refined designs out there with soft on and off features, but at the price, these are great monitors, and I’m happy to live with a little thump, or just not turn them off. They do get quite warm, so I don’t let them sit idle. Enjoy!

BEST ANSWER:They do indeed thump/pop a bit when turned off. The 12” sub thumps when turned on, fyi. To me, this is normal behavior, especially for a budget piece of gear. It’s not that loud, no big deal imo, but there are lots of more refined designs out there with soft on and off features, but at the price, these are great monitors, and I’m happy to live with a little thump, or just not turn them off. They do get quite warm, so I don’t let them sit idle. Enjoy!

Yes they pop when turning off even when speaker is turned down via volume knob however I have (2) pairs of these monitors ( daily use) different sizes for a year now & they still work & sound great . Hope this helps .

BEST ANSWER:Yes and no... I am running these with a Sunfire TrueSub. I have the RCA's going from the unit, to the inputs on the sub, then from the sub to the speaker's. As long as your sub has low level inputs, you should be good. And the sound is incredible alone, and even better with the sub!

BEST ANSWER:Yes and no... I am running these with a Sunfire TrueSub. I have the RCA's going from the unit, to the inputs on the sub, then from the sub to the speaker's. As long as your sub has low level inputs, you should be good. And the sound is incredible alone, and even better with the sub!

BEST ANSWER:You will need an adapter cord that has a stereo 1/8' plug on one end, and splits into 2 cords with either an XLR male plug, or a 1/4" TRS phone plug on this end. You will control the volume with your iPod. These are very nice speakers and i use them to mix songs in my recording studio

BEST ANSWER:You will need an adapter cord that has a stereo 1/8' plug on one end, and splits into 2 cords with either an XLR male plug, or a 1/4" TRS phone plug on this end. You will control the volume with your iPod. These are very nice speakers and i use them to mix songs in my recording studio

BEST ANSWER:If you use both consider that the active device playing music is also trying to deliver signal voltage INTO the inactive music source and may suffer in terms of signal voltage (i.e. low volume) and/or signal quality (i.e. bass and treble imbalance). There are auto-sensing switchers available that keep one source on until the alternate source becomes active and then switches over to that source - or just get an inexpensive stereo preamp with the usual Selector, Volume, Bass & Treble controls. Try eBay if you don't want to spend too much money.

BEST ANSWER:If you use both consider that the active device playing music is also trying to deliver signal voltage INTO the inactive music source and may suffer in terms of signal voltage (i.e. low volume) and/or signal quality (i.e. bass and treble imbalance). There are auto-sensing switchers available that keep one source on until the alternate source becomes active and then switches over to that source - or just get an inexpensive stereo preamp with the usual Selector, Volume, Bass & Treble controls. Try eBay if you don't want to spend too much money.

BEST ANSWER:Unless you have a mount that can clamp or strap on to the monitor no I wouldn't suggest putting any holes in the cabinet as these monitors pound and you may compromise the strength / integrity of the cabinet

BEST ANSWER:Unless you have a mount that can clamp or strap on to the monitor no I wouldn't suggest putting any holes in the cabinet as these monitors pound and you may compromise the strength / integrity of the cabinet

Does anyone have experience with these stands and the Monoprice 8" studio monitors? The weight load seems correct, but the base dimensions seems a bit small. I would be using these stands next to my control desk. Presumably, I could attach something to extend the base, if needed, say a piece of iron or ceramic.

Can I use these without having a crossover to a sub? in other words running them full range, no cut off(without risk of high / extreme excursion and possibly damaging the speaker), OR - Is it recommened to set a crossover? - Also what's this LOUD POPPING NOISE people are talking about(when shutting the speakers off), would lowering the volume control on an separate control prevent this from happening?

Video of unboxing and first impressions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz2t5QBITig

First off, these were much larger than I was expecting... but that's my own fault.

PROS

Solid construction with high-quality hardware and switchesClean amplifier with no discernible distortion at higher volumesOption for balanced XLR OR unbalanced TRS inputPower light isn't blinding and the badge is subtle. Very nice.

NEGATIVEBox was beat to hell during shipping. The speakers survived but... seriously?I haven't broken them in fully yet, but initially the tweeter is a bit harsh and a bit hotter than it should be. Time will tell on that.Included foot pads aren't gonna win any awards, but most folks will use stands or mounts anyway.

All in all, if you're in the market for a good first set of monitors that won't color your sound too much I think if you can snag these on sale you'll be very happy. I moved up to these from my first set, which were small Alesis Elevate 3's so a hell of an upgrade! But Monoprice, please have a talk with your couriers *cough*FEDEX*cough* because my last several shipments have been utterly beaten to hell, whereas boxes from other vendors arrive fine. For some reason they're beating your boxes to hell...

Hello to all,First before you buy, go watch the ONLY in-depth review of these monitors on my YouTube channel here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUZG9uRQVIo&t=570s

Subscribes, hit the bell, and ask me questions. These monitors are great for the price. You will not find, and i repeat, you will not find any 8inch monitors that sound good and budget friendly as these. They are very versatile. you can use them as studio monitors for mixing and mastering, you can use them in your living room, gaming room and many more. they have a very balance sound. they are not overly bassy, mid-range are punchy, and you have control of the top end frequencies with a knob in the back. checkout my review:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUZG9uRQVIo&t=570s

I recommend these speakers to anyone who are just starting in music production (beginner to mid-level), to anyone with a home studio, to anyone on a budget, anyone looking for great speakers for office, bedroom. If you are an audiophile with critical listening, these are not for you.... enough talking, just go check my review on them now. Thanks: